THURROCK's Foodbank will end the year with its larders full and ready to help the borough's needy in the coming weeks.

The charity's warehouse at the Thurrock Christian Fellowship, 2-4 Chase Road, Corringham is packed with gifts and donations that arrived in the pre-Christmas period, prompting business co-ordinator and volunteer Sandra Sawle to issue a heartfelt year-ending message of thanks.

It is all the more remarkable as the year began with a plea for support followed by a call for the borough's 'food heroes' to don their capes!

Sandra says: "To the companies and individuals who have contacted me via LinkedIn and subsequently donated to the Thurrock Foodbank, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year.

"It is your generosity and kindness that has made my volunteering as business co-ordinator an enjoyable and rewarding experience in what has been a difficult year.

"We end 2020 with a very full warehouse thanks to you, schools, churches and others in our local community and beyond.

"It has been truly humbling to see such kindness, it will be an enduring memory of how Covid-19 brought out the best in people.

"As always please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding our foodbank. The more people understand how we operate, the more they will be able to point others in the right direction if they come across someone in crisis.

"Thank you for everything and I look forward to catching up with you all in the coming year."